Sexo, Tokens y Placer: Representaciones Sociales sobre el Modelaje Webcam y la Prostitución en Mujeres

Abstract

This qualitative research, framed within the perspective of social constructionism, aims to understand the social representations (SR) among women engaged in webcam modeling (WM) in Colombia. To achieve this, four individual semi-structured interviews and one group interview were conducted virtually with young women working in the webcam industry in Colombia. From these narratives, the meaning these women attribute to their work practice was explored. Within the collected information, significant answers to relevant questions that arose when investigating this phenomenon were found. It was identified that the lack of mental health is a common factor among webcam models, as indicated in one of the categories addressed in the document. This is due to their long working hours, which can affect their personal, family, and social relationships, leading to often overlooked consequences when entering this industry. Additionally, factors such as economic remuneration, the exploration of personal sexuality, and the strengthening of self- esteem were also identified, as discussed in another category of the research work. It was concluded that, while there are differences between prostitution and webcam modeling, including sexual and economic components, webcam models need space to discuss whether modeling is a practice distinct from prostitution.

Keywords: Webcam models, social representations, economic remuneration, lack of mental health, semi-structured interview